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So I never actually got around to doing my second trimester update. And now we're already in the third trimester... oops. I've come to the realization that there is a reason why they split the different phases of pregnancy into three separate parts. The first is your adjustment to carrying a life inside you, the second is to enjoy the idea of having a new baby and the third and final phase is to let you know that it's almost time.

I will be the first to say (and I'm pretty sure I've said this before) that I've had an easy pregnancy. No morning sickness, no major health concerns, no belly button popping out, and even the weight gain has been forgiving. I know there are a lot of women who experience the opposite side of the spectrum and pregnancy can be difficult so I am lucky. I'm actually scared to admit that I haven't gotten any stretch marks yet so I guess cocoa butter really does work? Knock on wood. I hope that my blessings continue and that I don't have too much to complain about.

But back to what I was saying about trimesters, the second is the easiest for sure. And then you turn the corner into your third trimester and it's quite a big difference... like huge. Almost overnight, everything becomes difficult. You can't bend down to put on your own shoes. Your feet are swollen by 2-3PM. Everyone gives you advice to get as much sleep as you can before the baby comes, but for a pregnant mama this is nearly impossible. Finding a comfortable position in bed is like a joke so you become very tired and very cranky.

You face the constant battle of being full yet starving at the same time. Full because well obviously your body is stuffed with a growing baby in it and starving because this baby is eating up all you can get your hands on. So you eat, but there's not enough room to eat that much... and then in 30 minutes you're just hungry again. Oh and there is the peeing. You already figured out that you have to pee all the time anyway but there are times when baby moves just a little and suddenly you have to get to the bathroom right that minute.

I'm not sure about other states but here in California, we are able to take up to 4 weeks of maternity leave (paid disability) before baby arrives, which you cannot later use afterwards so you might as well take it. I don't know why I only chose to take three weeks before my due date but I would advise ladies to take the full four if you can. The last place you will want to be in your large and uncomfortable state is in the office where everyone who passes you comments that you look ready to pop.

Kudos to the mamas who work up until they give birth. Even if you have an easy time like I did, your body will eventually start feeling the signs that your baby is on their way very soon. The way I see it, in the worst case, you have 4 weeks to yourself to be bored and maybe you'll read some books or get stroll through Target one too many times but is that such a terrible thing? Go get a massage, do some yoga... all the things you will wish you can do later but can't. You deserve it, truly.